on July 7, 2020
Lately, our nation (and world) have been going through some tough times. With the coronavirus, increased violence, and general unrest, many people have been at each other’s throats. Social media has turned into an even more toxic place than usual, with people arguing and name-calling from behind the safety of their screens. It doesn’t have to be like this.
I believe each person has a capacity for good. I also believe people often have more in common than they realize, and tend to focus on the things that divide and drive us apart.
As a financial advisor, I meet with a wide variety of people with different backgrounds and beliefs. We may not see eye to eye on everything, but we are always able to have a civil, respectful conversation with each other because we are united in a single purpose: responsible wealth management.
What common purpose can you find with the person sitting across your table?
I challenge you to find common ground with others, no matter how different you may seem. Do you both enjoy hiking? Baseball? Do you value family? Do like dogs? Do you enjoy ice cream? Do you live in the same state?
Starting from a place of respect can help you understand the other person’s perspective and develop some empathy for their position (even if you don’t agree with it). Acknowledging another’s humanity, instead of seeing them as “the enemy” or simply a profile picture on your screen, can help open a respectful, level-headed dialogue.
When you find yourself gearing up to yell or belittle someone (or if YOU are the victim of such behavior), try to:
1. Take a step back
Remove yourself from the toxic situation and give yourself time to think, instead of launching into attack mode.
2. Ask yourself if it’s worth it to engage
(Hint: Oftentimes, it’s not!)
3. Never stoop to name-calling and belittling
This will never help your cause and will only create more animosity and division.
4. REMEMBER that the other person is human.
They aren’t just a profile picture. They are someone’s son/daughter, friend, significant other, parent. They’ve experienced loss, disappointments, and hardships. They have feelings too.
If we all do a better job of recognizing each other’s humanity, maybe (just maybe!) we can start working toward meaningful dialogues and solutions that will benefit all of us. Maybe we can start making positive changes, together.